Microeconomics of Competitiveness: Firms, Clusters and Economic Development

This course is about competitiveness and economic development viewed from the microeconomic perspective. While sound macroeconomic policies, stable legal and political systems, and the accumulation of factors of production affect the potential for competitiveness, wealth is actually created at the microeconomic level. The course covers both developing and advanced economies and examines competitiveness and economic policy at the national level, the regional level within nations, and for groups of neighboring countries. Addresses government policy toward the economy as well as the implications for business, universities, and other institutions. Taught using the case method. Significant advance preparation for class is required.

Prerequisites: Open to graduate students from all parts of the university. Training in management or economics required.

There will be additional guest faculty which will include Michael Porter, Hiro Takeuchi and Willis Emmons.